History

The U.S. Marshals and the Integration of the University of
Mississippi:

Message from Director Benigno Reyna

“Deputy marshals
placed themselves in harm’s way and
heroically stood before a very hostile and violent crowd.” — Director
Reyna

September 2003 marked the 40th anniversary of the integration of the
University of Mississippi. I had the honor of speaking at the
anniversary commemoration.

And as I spoke before an audience in Oxford, Miss., which included
retired deputy marshals who worked that detail, current U.S. marshals
and gathered guests, I was taken by the sense of duty and commitment
that our deputies displayed in carrying out their orders 40 years ago.

It was not a pleasant place for federal law enforcement officers to be
on the night of Sept. 30, 1962. Rioters vented all of their anger on the
most visible sign of federal authority — deputy U.S. marshals. Our
deputies defended and protected the United States Constitution and
safeguarded the freedom of every American.

Along with National Guardsmen and other federal law enforcement
officers, deputy marshals upheld the rule of law that long night and
defended that process which we — in a democracy — use to achieve justice
and protect
freedom.

Bravery revisited. Director Reyna is backed by former deputy marshals
on
the steps of the county courthouse in Oxford, Miss. Forty years earlier,
these same deputies were among those who stood arm in arm to enforce a
federal court order allowing black student James Meredith to enroll at
Ole Miss University.

A courageous group of deputy marshals led by Chief Marshal McShane
stepped up to the challenges because of the profound commitment to
upholding our oath of office and protecting the rights of all people.

James Meredith took that step when he sought justice and fair treatment
at a public university. Military personnel and various law
enforcement officers also took that step when called upon to assist us.
Deputy marshals placed themselves in harm’s way and heroically stood
before a very hostile and violent crowd. Let us honor them for
their brave actions — and for what they stood for and defended. They
safeguarded the U.S. Constitution
and protected the rights we enjoy today.